Root canal therapy is an infamous treatment; some media depictions paint it as a scary and painful procedure. That is far from the truth! The reality is that this treatment comes with many benefits. In fact, if your dentist informs you that you need it, you have plenty of reasons to view that news with a positive outlook. Why is that the case? This blog post shares some key reasons.
A Root Canal Can Let You Keep Your Tooth
When your dentist advises you to undergo root canal therapy, it means there is a chance to preserve your natural tooth instead of extracting it. Losing a tooth can lead to several complications, including shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration, and the need for tooth replacement. By opting for a root canal, you can maintain a complete smile and avoid the complications, aesthetic issues, and other problems that might come with a tooth extraction.
A Root Canal Can End Your Toothache
Tooth pain can be debilitating! It can affect your focus, your daily life, your ability to eat, and even the quality of your sleep. Severe toothaches are often caused by infections or inflammation in the pulp of the tooth, the soft tissue at its center.
Root canal therapy addresses the source of the problem by removing the infected or inflamed tissue. Your dentist will even remove the nerve inside the tooth that is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. Once this is done, the pain stops. After a brief recovery period, you can return to your normal activities without the constant torture of dental pain.
A Root Canal Can Help You Save Money
While root canal therapy might sound like an expensive procedure, it is often more economical than the alternatives. An extraction would require you to consider options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, all of which can be costly and time-consuming. By preserving your original tooth through a root canal, you avoid the expenses associated with replacing a missing tooth.
Root Canal Therapy Is Easy and Surprisingly Comfortable
Modern dentistry has advanced significantly in recent decades, making root canal therapy more streamlined and less intimidating than ever before. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should feel no pain during your procedure. Furthermore, many patients find the process to be no more uncomfortable than receiving a standard filling. Recovery is usually straightforward, and you may be back to feeling normal within just a few days to a week or so.
There is no real reason to be afraid of root canal therapy. In fact, you can look forward to the benefits that come with this procedure. It is good news!
Meet the Practice
At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, our three dentists are pleased to provide a broad range of restorative services, including root canal therapy. We prioritize patient comfort, and we do everything we can to optimize treatment outcomes. If you have questions about how we may be able to preserve your damaged tooth, contact our office at 719-521-4945.